The Late Run DMC

“This year’s class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50′s and 60′s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll,” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman said in a statement. “These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll’s place in our culture.”

Founded by Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the late Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell, Run-D.M.C. is being recognized for its influence on pop culture in general, as the first group to bring Hip-Hop music to a mainstream audience.

Ex-Officer Johannes Mehserle

In 2001, an unarmed, mentally-handicapped homeless man named Bruce Seward was shot and killed following a police confrontation outside a BART train station. According to Merrick Bobb, executive director of the Police Assessment Resource Center, police officers are rarely charged with murder for killings made in the line of duty. “The fact of a prosecution of a police officer in these circumstances is quite rare,” Bobb stated to the Los Angeles Times. “The police are given a substantial amount of leeway when they perceive themselves to be in danger of death or serious injury.” Last week, an Oakland protest resulted in more than 100 arrests. Yesterday (January 14), another protest was completed peacefully with no reports of arrests or property damage. At press time, Mehserle’s attorney Christopher Miller is expected to use a defense centering on the fatal gunshot being an accidental discharge. “We’re going to contest those charges vigorously,” Miller stated at a Sacramento news conference. Oscar Grant III was 22-years old and the father of a 4-year old daughter at the time of his death. Last week, Bay Area rapper Mistah F.A.B. released a dedication song entitled “My Life (Oscar Grant Tribute).”